Ecology & Wildlife surveys

Dormouse (photo - j stuart)

CEC is one of the leading ecological consultancies in the southwest.  Our ecologists experience and qualifications enable us to undertake a comprehensive range of ecological and wildlife work including surveys, species protection and licencing, impact assessment, administration of on-site conservation and management contracts, and specialist work such as intertidal and marine surveys, Code for Sustainable Homes assessments (CfSH), Farm Environmental Plans (FEP), bat surveys and reptile relocation.

Biodiversity is now recognised as an important issue in development and many planning applications require the input of an ecologist.  We advise clients on the appropriate levels of survey and assessment and our local knowledge often helps to reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary work.

We have an excellent reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget, so clients can be confident they are receiving cost-effective professional advice.

CEC Ecology provides the following services;

• Desk Studies & Ecological Risk Assessment - to inform feasibility studies, planning applications etc and to determine the likely scope of ecological work required for a project
• Ecological Survey and Assessment – Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys, National Vegetation Classification Surveys
• Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA)
• Farm Environmental Plans (FEP) - as required for Higher Level Stewardship
• BREEAM & Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment – Ecology reports & advice
• Protected Species Surveys - bats, badgers, otters, dormice, reptiles, birds, Bat and Barn Owl Survey, European Protected Species (EPS) and Natural England Licensing
• Watching Briefs and Contract Administration – eg badger and reptile fencing contracts
• Applied Research – eg nature conservation strategies or to aid decision making
• Habitat Restoration and Monitoring – eg heathland and woodland restoration
• Marine Survey & Assessment
• Site Management Planning – eg Management Plans for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity
• Tree Surveys – eg the ecological value of trees on a development site

Ecological Project Examples

• A30 Reptile Trapping and Relocation including watching brief for reptiles, dormice and nesting birds
• A391 Route Corridors Ecological and Bat Surveys
• Badger Exclusion at RAF Portreath
• Bat and Barn Owl Assessments & European Protected Species (EPS) Licences
• Dartmoor and Salisbury Plain NVC Surveys
• Helman Tor Nature Reserve Management Plan
• Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Survey and Monitoring
• Mineral Tramways
• Penzance and Newlyn Harbour Marine Ecology Impact Assessment